All six options feature a new bridge spanning the River Arun and a bridge over the Arun Valley Railway, as well as a new junction at Crossbush.

Out of those, OneArundel has announced it will back efforts for the magenta route to be selected in order to reduce serious traffic congestion through the town.

The route consists of around 7.2km (4.4 miles) of new dual carriageway located to the south of the existing A27, from Crossbush junction to just west of Yapton Lane, along with a new bridge over Binsted Rife.

"Whilst slightly over budget and having a minor impact on a small area of both the South Downs National Park and some ancient woodland, this is clearly the best option available, offering a solution that ensures the free flow of traffic whilst having the least negative impact on the surrounding environment and population.

"OneArundel has therefore decided to support the Magenta option, and strongly recommends that it be supported by all those who are keen to see the end of the traffic congestion on the A27 at Arundel."

OneArundel

OneArundel has also announced its reasons for rejecting the other five options.

They've said the two options which most closely follow the current A27 route, Cyan and Beige, would lead to some 47,000 vehicles a day passing through the centre of the town.

"They would continue to bi-sect the community and, in the view of most Arundel residents and businesses, severely adversely impact the town, both during the lengthy construction process and afterwards.

"In the words of one Arundel resident, "it would be like the Berlin Wall dividing the town in two."

OneArundel

The group has also said the Crimson and Amber options would both have major adverse impacts on the South Downs National Park and also cause substantial damage to areas designated as ancient woodland.

"Though it would be outside the SDNP and would not involve the destruction of any ancient woodland, the Grey Option would have a major adverse impact on neighbouring Walberton and it is in any case the most expensive option and would cost well in excess of the current HE budget."

OneArundel

Key features of all options would include:

A new viaduct spanning over the River Arun and a new bridge over the Arun Valley Railway.

A junction at Crossbush with access to and from the A27 in both directions.

A speed limit of 70 mph (in its current design, the Beige option - 1V9 - would need a 50 mph speed limit in some sections).

An embankment across the River Arun floodplain, although all routes could alternatively be built with a viaduct. A decision on this will be taken once a preferred route is confirmed and more detailed design work is undertaken.

Highways England is holding a series of information exhibitions at venues across the area so that people can examine the proposals and put any questions directly to the project team.

All responses to the consultation will be carefully considered before an announcement is made on a new preferred route early next year. Subject to a successful outcome, construction could start in late 2022.